Tocumwal travelled to Rennie with growing confidence on Saturday, after a strong run of recent form.
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The Bloods continued their momentum with a dominant 63-point victory in front of a vocal crowd.
From the outset, the match had all the hallmarks of a close contest, with both sides moving the ball quickly and capitalising on opportunities.
The first quarter was an entertaining arm wrestle, with each team hitting the scoreboard multiple times.
Tocumwal’s intensity around the contest and clean ball movement were notable, but Rennie responded well, matching Toc in the early stages and showing they wouldn’t be easy to shake.
However, it was in the second quarter that Tocumwal blew the game open.
A relentless six-goal burst, without reply from Rennie, swung the momentum entirely in the Bloods’ favour.
Forward dynamo Flynn Tonks was at his brilliant best, slotting four goals in the quarter alone and giving the home side plenty of headaches with his movement, marking, and accurate finishing.
By half-time, Tocumwal held a commanding five-goal lead, and from there, they never looked back.
The second half saw the Bloods continue to apply scoreboard pressure.
Despite Rennie’s best efforts, Tocumwal’s fitness, teamwork, and cohesion across all lines proved too much.
The visitors added another eight goals in the second half, while holding Rennie to just three, running out convincing winners with a final score of 18.9 (117) to 8.3 (51).
Toc’s forward line fired on all cylinders, with Tonks finishing with six majors in a best-on-ground performance.
Ricky Gittens was dangerous all day and finished with four goals of his own, while Xavier Walker also booted four and provided constant drive with his run and carry.
Sam Hatty chipped in with two valuable goals, and singles went to Hall and young Logan White, whose strong performance earned him the Farmers’ Arms Hotel award.
It was once again a full team effort, but several players stood out.
Gittens played one of his best games for the year, working tirelessly through the midfield and forward half.
Lachlan McDonald’s work rate and attack on the footy were outstanding as we have come to expect, and Walker’s pace and pressure were game-changing.
Tonks continues to be a match-winner, Hatty was a key link through the middle and across half-forward, and Adam Kent was consistent in the ruck.
Final score: Tocumwal 18.9 (117) def Rennie 8.3 (51).
The result cements Tocumwal’s strong mid-season form, and more importantly, reflects a team that is beginning to gel on and off the field.
The players are clearly bonding, playing for each other, and enjoying their footy - a combination that’s beginning to translate into consistent, high quality performances.
With confidence building and belief growing within the group, the Bloods are excited for the challenges ahead in the coming weeks.
If current form is anything to go by, Tocumwal is a team to watch in the second half of the season.
Awards: Ray Sutton, Logan White, Liam Sutton, Josh Mosman.
Reserves:
The reserves are off the mark in style, securing their first win of the season with a convincing 57-point victory over Rennie.
The Bloods took control from the first bounce, with the midfield lifting their intensity and the backline standing tall under pressure.
Jaiden Wapshott led from the front with a dominant four-goal performance and was well supported by Kane Wardlaw, who added three of his own and provided a strong presence all day.
Brayden Sciutio worked tirelessly through the middle, while brothers Jesse and Liam Colston were everywhere, showing great composure and drive.
Glyn Matters was also among the best, offering plenty of impact across the ground.
Tocumwal’s momentum didn’t waver, maintaining pressure and eventually converting dominance into scoreboard reward.
The team finished full of running, piling on goals late to seal a well-deserved win.
Final score: Tocumwal 12.18 (90) def Rennie 5.3 (33).
Best: Jaiden Wapshott, Brayden Sciutio, Kane Wardlaw, Jesse Colston, Liam Colston, Glyn Matters.
Goals: Jaiden Wapshott 4, Kane Wardlaw 3, Jordan Findlay 2, J Buckley, W O’Connell, Declan Cameron.
Thirds:
No game.
Fourths:
That’s five wins on the board for the under-14s, who continued their strong start to the season with a solid 30-point victory over Rennie.
It was a competitive contest early, but Tocumwal gradually pulled away thanks to relentless pressure around the ball and some sharp finishing up forward.
Harrison Wilson was a standout, booting four goals and playing a key role all over the ground.
Archer Chellew and Lucas Grieves were instrumental through the middle, providing drive and setting up repeated forward entries, while Jack Watson and Lewis Petersen were rock solid in defence, repelling numerous Rennie attacks.
Nate Dickins also earned a spot among the best with his work rate and clean ball use.
Archie Matters continued his strong form up forward with three goals, and there were valuable contributions on the scoreboard from Grieves, Charlie Wilson, and Oliver East.
A great team performance, and the group will be full of confidence heading into next week.
Final score: Tocumwal 10.8 (68) def. Rennie 5.8 (38).
Best: Harrison Wilson, Archer Chellew, Lucas Grieves, Jack Watson, Lewis Petersen, Nate Dickins.
Goals: Harrison Wilson 4, Archie Matters 3, Lucas Grieves, Charlie Wilson, Oliver East.
Awards: Harrison Wilson, Jack Watson, Nate Dickins, Lewis Petersen, Archer Chellew, Lucas Grieves.